Chemical Free Cleaning - Window Blinds

Hey I keep a pretty clean house.  I sweep and mop almost weekly. I am pretty good at dusting, or at least assigning one of the kids to dust.  The kitchen is spotless every night before I go to bed, and toilets stay sanitized (necessity with boys, stinky) But please, please, please, don't peak at the fans( I just turn them on if someone is coming).. and don't even speak of between the couch cushions (there is no telling what you might find there), the top of the fridge (yikes), but you CAN inspect my window blinds all you want!  That's right, my window blinds are spotless, well almost spotless, thanks to a little tip from a friend. 

Want to know the secret?  Ok, I'll tell you but you have to promise to share it with EVERYONE you know... (just click the facebook or twitter button below and share away). 

Ok, so here it is... a dryer sheet!  Yep that's it, that is the big secret!  I know you are thinking "Really?" but I promise I have tried feather dusters, electro-static dusters, and every cleaner you can imagine... but none of them have done the job like a dryer sheet, not even my vacuum.

You don't even have to use a new dryer sheet.  in fact I think the used dryer sheets are easier to use because they are softer, and wrap around the slats better. The dirt is attracted to the dryer sheet and the softener helps to repel new dust. No stinky cleaners or expensive cleaning tools; it all free! Well, as long as you use dryer sheets.

I used one dryer sheet per window. Start by, turning the blinds down and rubbing side to side in short repetitive strokes(like and eraser) with the used dryer sheet. Then, turn the blinds up and repeat the process for the other side.  You will probably have to wipe up a gathering of dust from the window seal... or at least I did (my blinds were really dirty).  Give it a try!! I would love to see if you gals have as much luck as I have, so go on.. you know you have a few used dryer sheets floating around your laundry room, it really only takes a few minutes. Then, please come back and tell me what you thought.  Was this a helpful cleaning tip for you? 

PS.  I haven't tried yet, but I bet it works on those ceiling fans too!

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Home Ec. 101 - Book Review

Home Ec 101: Skills for Everyday Living  by Heather Solos is the perfect go-to book for anyone looking for a little domestic inspiration. Heather is able to cover every aspect of being a domestic diva, with a witty style and passion for homemaking. 

Home Ec 101: Skills for Everyday Living is divided up into 4 sections; Clean it, Wash it, Fix it, Cook it.  Each section walks you through specific tasks, step-by-step, so anyone can do it!

Section 1: Clean it, covers everything from grease and grime to tubs and tiles.  But don't think it even begins to stop there.  Every detail from homemade cleaners to the tools needed to efficiently and effectively clean.

Section 2: Wash it, is the go-to for laundry. Stains, Odors, Garment Repair, and General Laundry are all covered here.  This is the section I will be visiting the most frequently.... I really don't enjoy laundry, and especially with the losing battle of stains, that I'm constantly battling. Does anyone else out there feel like that?

Section 3: Fix it, Well, what can I say... I would love to pride myself in being handy women of the house, but I wouldn't even know where to start.  I'm the one that puts 15 holes in the wall just to hang one picture.  I know it's really sad. Thank goodness for Heather's know how!!

Section 4: Cook it, can get anyone out of the fast food frenzies.  Heather addresses menu planning, basic cooking, How to stock your pantry and much much more.  This will be a book I turn to in times of kitchen crisis, or just for a little inspiration and reminders of the basics!

Make sure you don't miss the appendix, complete with conversion charts, emergency preparedness lists, dangerous chemical combos, and homemade cleaning solutions. 

This book would make a great gift for a bride-to-be, college student, and even the more seasoned homemaker will appreciate this book.

I received a complimentary sample of Home Ec 101 to review, but of course the opinions are all my own.